The Best Classic Chili – This traditional chili recipe is just like mom used to make with ground beef, beans, and a simple homemade blend of chili seasonings.
This classic chili is perfect for a weeknight meal because it can be made in minutes. The only thing to chop is an onion.
How do you make good homemade chili?
- Heat olive in a large soup pot.
- Add chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon.
- Cook for 6-7 minutes.
- Add chili powder, cumin, sugar, tomato paste, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne.
- Stir until well combined.
- Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth, and tomato sauce.
- Stir well.
- Simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Let the chili rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
What do you top chili with?
In addition to the chili ingredients listed in this recipe for chili, you may also want to have these things as toppings.
- shredded cheddar cheese
- sour cream
- sliced green onions
- saltine crackers or oyster crackers
- diced avocado
What goes well with chili for dinner?
I’ve been playing around with this chili recipe for the past few months, making it many times. My family didn’t mind the repetition at all because I really do believe that I ended up with the best chili ever!
Watch the step by step recipe video for this chili recipe below.
The Best Classic Chili Recipe
The Best Classic Chili - This traditional chili recipe is just like mom used to make with ground beef, beans, and a simple homemade blend of chili seasonings.
Watch The Recipe Video Here
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 334kcal
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this RecipeIngredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion -diced
- 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
- 2 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper* -optional
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 oz.) can petite diced tomatoes
- 1 (16 oz.) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
Instructions
- Add the olive oil to a large soup pot and place it over medium-high heat for two minutes. Add the onion. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-7 minutes, until the beef is browned, stirring occasionally.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, sugar, tomato paste, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne. Stir until well combined.
- Add the broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), drained beans, and tomato sauce. Stir well.
- Bring the liquid to a low boil. Then, reduce the heat (low to medium-low) to gently simmer the chili, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Let the chili rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
I typically skip the cayenne pepper because I have a young kiddo. Then, I put out some hot sauce for those adults that want to add some spiciness to their chili.
Nutrition
Serving: 1/6th of the recipe | Calories: 334kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 1249mg | Potassium: 1110mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1445IU | Vitamin C: 12.8mg | Calcium: 99mg | Iron: 7.5mg
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mike says
Finally,
A chilli my wife will eat without complaints
Thank you
D McMullen says
Almost perfect chili, except the 2 Tablespoons of sugar make it too sweet. The tomatoes and tomato sauce already contain sugar. I will omit when I make this chili again. Great recipe.
Heather says
I made this tonight and I loved it! My husband hates chili but even he ate a bowl! It’s easy to make an packed with flavor. I did tweek a few things. I used 1/2 the cumin, and added 1 jalapeno. Go for it was delish!
Sweet B says
This chili was easy to make and really good. I like a bit more flavor so I added my own southern spice. Definitely adding this recipe to the books!
Megan Holm says
Delicious!
TT says
This recipe is amazing! I’ve tried tons of recipes and this is by far my favorite classic chili!! I did cut the sugar in half and i also forgot tomato paste when i ran to store so i substituted ketchup and it was still award winning. Thank you for the recipe.
Greg L says
Absolutely LOVED this chili! I followed the recipe to a “T” with a few additions…and mistakes. I added chopped green and red peppers, used regular diced tomatoes (this was a mistake but I’ll do it again!), and added more cayenne pepper (I like it hot!). Great recipe…thanx so much for sharing!
SHANNA ZOLMAN MAHALEY says
This was by far the easiest and most flavorful chili I have ever made. My husband made 4 separate comments about how it was the best he’s ever eaten it throughout the night. That’s how you know….
Jim says
Too hot. Otherwise ok
Susan Wiedenmeyer says
Absolutely LOVE this recipe! Really great use of many spices and flavors….its now my new standard chili in my recipe collection.
Making some this weekend as a tasty break from the Thanksgiving meal and leftovers.
Thank you for sharing!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Susan from Kansas City
Sue G says
This is a very tasty, quick chili recipe. It went very quickly, will definitely be making this again!
Hannah says
This is a fantastic recipe! I was craving chili but just about every recipe I came across had a ba-zillion ingredients. This however, was the best chili recipe I’ve ever had (and trust me, I’ve tried many). So simple, yet so savory with such deep flavors. Love it and thank you for sharing!
Tom says
I doubled the recipe with very slight adaptions. Came out really good. I lightened the sugar and actually used brown sugar. I used 2lbs of beef. I may use 3 next time to make it heartier.
Laura Schaefer says
A huge hit with the family . I used Venison bacon burger. The flavor was amazing. I put a scant 1/4 tsp of cayenne in toe recipe. It was spicy but we like spicy.
Definitely will make again. I want to make it for a crowd but two people are allergic to garlic. I wonder how different it would taste if I left out that 1 Tblsp of garlic powder?
MALORIE says
first rate chili!!! The portions of everything were perfect and it had a nice kick to it (i added 1/2 the cayenne instead of 1/4).
This will definitely be a staple in our house this winter!